WNBA star Brittney Griner is still being detained in Russia, forcing her Phoenix Mercury teammates to start the season without her. Unfortunately, they're now 6-12 after 18 games, and Griner's absence is undoubtedly a huge factor in the equation.
One of the main players to step up for the Mercury is Tina Charles. She has been one of the top contributors, averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 16 games.
Now, the Mercury will be without her and Griner moving forward. The team announced its “contract divorce” with the WNBA center Saturday afternoon.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 25, 2022
“After discussions with Tina and her agent, it was best for both parties to go our separate ways at this time,” Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman said. “Due to circumstances both in and out of our control, our season has not gone according to our plan, and we will continue to pursue all avenues for improvement.”
The contract divorce is effective immediately, meaning that Charles will not play in the Mercury vs Dallas Wings matchup Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Griner remains in the custody of the Russian government until at least July 2. The WNBA star was detained in a Moscow airport in February. She reportedly had vapes with “narcotic cannabis oil” in her luggage, which is illegal in Russia.
The WNBA is doing everything it can to ensure Griner that she has not been forgotten. Most recently, the league named her as an honorary WNBA All-Star starter for the game on July 10.
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